This Shrimp Cocktail Recipe balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Shrimp Cocktail Recipe captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Shrimp Cocktail Recipe becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ pounds of large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
½ cup lemon juice divided
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley a little more for garnish
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup tomato sauce
½ teaspoon hot sauce optional
Olive oil to decorate
How To Make Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Place shrimp in a medium bowl; add ⅓ cup lemon juice. Put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Drain the shrimp and discard the lemon juice.
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, place the water and salt. When it starts to boil add the shrimp and turn off the heat.
Let the shrimp in the water just until they are cooked, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp to a plastic container and refrigerate.
In a small bowl, combine onion, remaining lemon juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, pepper, hot sauce, and parsley.
Add the shrimp and serve in glass bowls over the lettuce. Serve with crackers and garnish with olive oil and parsley.
PREPARATION STEPS
Add the shrimp and serve in glass bowls over the lettuce. Serve with crackers and garnish with olive oil and parsley.
Place shrimp in a medium bowl; add ⅓ cup lemon juice. Put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Drain the shrimp and discard the lemon juice.
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, place the water and salt. When it starts to boil add the shrimp and turn off the heat.
Let the shrimp in the water just until they are cooked, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp to a plastic container and refrigerate.
In a small bowl, combine onion, remaining lemon juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, pepper, hot sauce, and parsley.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.